In 2008, when we first brought in Trollbeads to Gordon Jewelers I had no idea where to start when creating my bracelet. As Trollbeads was started in 1976 the collection already had a vast variety of colors and silver that the possibilities were endless.

My story is told within the silver beads in the Trollbeads line. One of the first silver beads I purchased was Thumbelina. I purchased this bead not because it had a meaning of a classic fairytale, but because I taught Preschool. So for me it represented the stories of the children I taught. From there I went through the Trollbeads book looking for more options. A few others I have: Panda to represent that I am a mother of children. The Symbols bead for this bead has multiple meanings tied into one. The Unity bead because to me it looked like all the little children that I was working with on a day to day basis. Over the last nine years I have collected several beads in the silver line. All of them have a story, but each of them have a meaning for me alone.

So when choosing your beads think of the stories in your life. What’s important to you? Do you have children? Do you have a flower garden? Do you like animals? There are beads to match almost anything in our everyday lives. For children there is the Maternity Bead, or go outside the box and there are animals that represent mother and child. You like flowers, well there are silver and glass beads to create a beautiful bracelet. I know a lady that created a bracelet using all of the flower glass beads and silver beads. She owns a flower shop and the bracelet is beautiful it has many colors just like a garden or flower shop may have.

So where do you begin. What’s your story? Every bead has a story with Trollbeads. Start yours today with a bracelet, necklace, bangle, leather wrap the possibilities are endless.

Have you ever decided not to wear your wedding ring to complete an outdoor activity? Or chosen not to wear your ring to work due to safety hazards? If you answered yes to either of these questions, or have not worn your ring for a different active-lifestyle situation, then we have the perfect rings for you! Introducing Tough Love Rings…

TOUGH LOVE RINGS were intentionally designed by a Biomedical Engineer to be more comfortable for everyday use, regardless of your occupation. These rings are made out of silicone. TOUGH LOVE RINGS’ mission is to provide a safer, more durable and more comfortable alternative to the traditional metal wedding ring for all active lifestyles and professions.

“Our customers range from the most extreme athletes to the overworked public servants. Whether it’s for parents, military, teachers, police officers, fire fighters, or business travelers, our products work for any lifestyle. “ – TOUGH LOVE RINGS

Many jobs forbid the wearing of metal due to safety hazards and wearing TOUGH LOVE RINGS™ eliminates that risk. Active lifestyles can be very rough on metal jewelry; however TOUGH LOVE RINGS™ can be worn comfortably during the most strenuous of activities. In many cultures, people can easily interpret no wedding ring in public as a person who is on the market. There are also varying medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), painful joints or acute swelling that can make it difficult for someone to wear hard jewelry. With tough Love rings you can still show your love!

Show your love and your strength with a ring from TOUGH LOVE, from Gordon Jewelers! Now is the perfect time to protect your finger, protect your traditional wedding ring and protect your marriage with a TOUGH LOVE RING™!

Here are some Q&A scenarios that are answered directly from the Manufacture:

What are TOUGH LOVE RINGS™?TOUGH LOVE RINGS™ are THE most comfortable, safe and practical alternative to the traditional metal wedding ring. They are made of medical grade, hypo-allergenic, non-porous, non-conductive premium silicone rubber. Strong and durable, they are easy to put on or take off. Our smooth finish, classic colors and designs match any outfit, uniform or cause.

Does each color or design mean anything?Colors and designs can carry different meanings to different people. We originally chose a few colors to represent some of our favorite local universities, however we have come to learn that people also show support for their favorite cause with TOUGH LOVE RINGS™. As interest in our products has grown, we have chosen to expand our designs to recognize and honor various professions and commitments.

How do TOUGH LOVE RINGS™ differ from competing products?Tough Love Rings are different in many subtle, yet important ways. First, our products are much more AFFORDABLE than competing brands. We have chosen not to use fancy gimmicks, fast talking celebrities or overly designed packaging to market our products as this increases the cost to the end customer. Instead, we have chosen to create a premium product without all the unnecessary costs. There are clear benefits to wearing silicone rings and we certainly don’t want our customers to break the bank buying one!

Second, our rings are intentionally designed to be THINNER, more ergonomic, and yet still very durable. Over time, thicker rings will begin to irritate your finger, especially during any heavy lifting or squeezing of the hand. We have been told that our design is much more comfortable and quite unnoticeable while wearing it. We have even had people give us their old thicker silicone ring upon purchase of their TOUGH LOVE RINGS™!

Will TOUGH LOVE RINGS™ break? TOUGH LOVE RINGS™ are indeed durable, but they are designed to break or be cut off using simple tools in case of an emergency. If your ring has broken or torn during an activity, consider yourself lucky that you were not wearing metal at the time.

So, you’ve heard the term “old European cut,” but you think you’ve never actually seen one? What does this cut look like, and how can you tell if a diamond has an old European cut? This article is here to help you to learn more about this cut and walk you through its most important characteristics.

What Is an Old European Cut?

The old European cut is a diamond cut that used to be quite popular in the past, until the early twentieth century.

A ring with an old European cut diamond – from Mark BroumandAround the 1920s, the modern round cut was developed, and it replaced the old European cut as the standard for round brilliants. So, it can be said that the old European cut is the direct predecessor of the modern round cut.

Characteristics of the Old European Cut:

Diamonds with an old European cut are usually shaped so as to follow the outline of the rough diamond material and minimize waste. Those stones were usually cut to maximize carat weight rather than brilliance.

Number of facets: Old European cut diamonds have 58 facets – the same number the contemporary round cut has.

Culet: Rather than having a pointed end at the bottom, old European cut diamonds have an open culet. This means that their bottom ends in a flat facet instead of a sharp point. (This bottom facet is actually what is called a “culet.”)

Faceting and cutting: A distinctive characteristic of old European cut diamonds is that they are cut by hand.

As a result, a closer look at such a stone will reveal that its facets are not shaped with such precision as those of modern-cut diamonds, which are formed using more sophisticated tools.

Symmetry: In general, old European cut diamonds are not very symmetrical. For example, their facets may be irregularly shaped and not well aligned with each other.

The reason for this, as already pointed out, is that the cutting technology used to shape old European cut stones was not as well developed as it is today.

Old European Cut vs. Modern Round Cut: How to Tell the Difference

The old European cut and the contemporary round cut have some common features that make them look quite similar. For example, both cuts are round and have 58 facets.

However, there are noticeable differences that can help you to distinguish between these two cuts.

Apart from having poorer symmetry, here are some other characteristics in which old European cut diamonds tend to differ from modern round stones:

Table Size: Old European cut diamonds usually have a relatively smaller table (the stone’s top facet) compared with modern round brilliants. Since this is a difference in proportions, it is most noticeable when comparing stones of similar size.

Crown Height: The crown of a round diamond is the part above the girdle (the stone’s widest part, or its edge). Old European cut diamonds tend to have a higher crown compared with contemporary round diamonds of similar carat weight.

Pavilion Depth: If the crown of a round diamond is the part above the girdle, the pavilion is the part below it, and pavilion depth is simply the distance from the girdle all the way down to the stone’s bottom.

This distance tends to be greater in old European cut diamonds, i.e., they tend to have relatively deeper pavilions than similar-sized modern round stones.

One thing to remember that all these differences are relative, and to spot them, you need to examine the proportions of the stones you are comparing, especially if they differ significantly in size.

Diamond measurements are often expressed as a percentage of the stone’s girdle diameter. This is how you can calculate the relative crown height, pavilion depth, and table size of a diamond and compare them with those of other diamonds.

For example, to see if a diamond’s table is relatively bigger than that of another stone, you can measure the table diameter of each diamond and divide it by the diameter of the girdle – the resulting figure is referred to as “table percentage.”

If two diamonds are compared, one can have a smaller table in absolute terms, but if its table percentage is greater, then its table is relatively bigger in terms of proportions.

Old European Cut vs. Old Mine Cut: What Is the Difference?

If the old European cut is the predecessor of the modern brilliant cut, the old mine cut can be considered the ancestor of the old European cut.

One of the most notable differences between the two cuts is that the old mine cut has a more rectangular shape with rounded corners, while the old European cut is round.

Another difference is that the old mine cut tends to have a bigger culet, which is easily visible through the stone’s top.

Finally, the table in the old mine cut tends to be a little bit larger, and because of the less precise cutting technology used, the facets of such a stone are usually more irregularly shaped than those of an old European cut diamond.

In general, it would be fair to say that an old mine cut looks less refined in comparison, but many people find that characteristic charming!

Your Valentine's Day shopping is effortless at Gordon Jewelers! Stop in to shop our selection of all of the following items!

For Newer Valentines:

1) Charm Bracelets

A sterling silver charm bracelet is a great gift for Valentines day, one that she can build lots of special memories starting with you! Charms have never gone out of style, but over the last few years they are back in a big way!

A charm bracelet allows the wearer to build and cherish memories as time goes on by adding new charms to celebrate unique occasions. Start her collection off right with a pretty heart charm or love charm from Rembrandt Charms!

2) Arrow Necklace

Cupid’s arrow might have struck you this past year! Send an arrow her way as well with a beautiful arrow necklace in sterling silver or rose gold. Arrow motif is the latest take on the chevron/triangle trend, and it’s a fun way to tell a friend to follow your arrow.

Linear links are perfect focal points for delicate, layered necklaces. The famous horizontal bar link gets an update. Texture it, stamp it or leave it as-is for a simple, understated look.

For 'Next Step' Valentines:

3) Infinity Chain Bracelet

The infinity symbol is a popular fashion trend. Many women enjoy adding either an infinity necklace or infinity bracelet to their daily ensemble. The meaning behind the symbol is actually quite lovely – it symbolizes eternity, empowerment, and everlasting love. Choose between sterling silver, yellow gold, or rose gold for a beautiful infinity chain bracelet.

4) Infinity Love Knot Pendant

Rather than an infinity symbol, another beautiful option is the infinity love knot. Similar to the infinity symbol, the love knot represents the strength of the relationship between couples. And, as you give an infinity love knot pendant as a symbol of love and affection, it is a great time to reflect on the relationship between you and your partner.

5) Pearl Necklace

A timeless piece of jewelry every women should own, a beautiful pearl necklace makes the perfect Valentine’s gift. I believe they are truly as fashionable now as they were a hundred years ago. They absolutely exude sophisticated elegance.

6) Earrings

When in doubt, a new pair of earrings are a great Valentine’s Day gift option.

Diamond Stud Earrings: If this is a really special Valentine Day, step it up a notch and invest in a sparkly pair of diamond stud earrings. It will absolutely make her month! Pick from princess, round, asscher, or cushion cuts for her very own pair of diamond studs.

Hoop Earrings: Surprise her with a beautiful pair of hoop earrings that she can wear for any occasion.

Pearl Earrings: From stud or drops, gift your Valentine with a beautiful set of pearl earrings that she can dress up or down.

7) Birthstone Jewelry

Find a beautiful piece of jewelry in the color of her Birthstone. This piece will not only represent the month in which she was born, but becomes a beautiful piece that she can wear every day!

For The Long Term Valentines"

8) Cocktail Rings

Gemstone jewelry can often seem old fashion and come across extremely extravagant, but cocktail rings are more trendier pieces of jewelry to wear as a standout feature. Choose the gemstone based on her favorite color and watch as she lights up opening the ring box!

9) Diamond Tennis Bracelets

A staple in any luxury jewelry box has to be the diamond tennis bracelet. As a timeless piece, the diamond tennis bracelet can be worn for any occasion, running an errand, for work meeting or formal events. This present will make your Valentine’s jewelry collection complete.

10) Eternity Rings

Eternity rings are typically set with an unbroken line of identically cut gemstones. Show your Valentine the symbol of lasting affection and LOVE with a beautiful eternity ring.

A charm is a sentimental journey you can hold in your hand to relive precious memories or recall special occasions for a lifetime.

It is the classic collectible. No other gift captures a moment as clearly as a fashionable and affordable charm. Each charm tells a story.

With thousands of charms available in Sterling Silver, Gold Plate, 10 Karat Yellow Gold, 14 Karat Yellow Gold, and 14 Karat White Gold, you are sure to find the right charms to commemorate an event, share a special moment or highlight a hobby. A charm is one of the easiest, most memorable gifts you can choose.

All Rembrandt Charms merchandise comes with a Lifetime Warranty, reflecting the craftsmanship, dedication, and commitment of our entire staff. All of our Sterling Silver products are Rhodium Plated to prevent tarnishing. Just what you would expect from a company that values quality and craftsmanship as much as you do.

Rembrandt Charms is a family owned company that has been designing and manufacturing charms and charm bracelets solely in the United States and Canada for over 45 years. Only Rembrandt Charms offers the “World’s Largest Collection of Silver and Gold Charms.”

When shopping for an important piece of jewelry, most clients know the design or style they've set their hearts on. But when asked about their preference for precious metals, their answers can be a bit more hazy.

It can be confusing parsing through your wide variety of options. Even if you’re sure of your preferred color, you may not know the physical properties of each choice, let alone why one warrants a higher price tag than another. We hope to answer some of those big questions for you today (and teach you some helpful jewelry vocabulary along the way!)

Each of the precious metals covered below are well suited for crafting heavily worn jewelry such as wedding bands or engagement rings. As you read through, consider how each metal will suit your needs on three fronts: color preference, lifestyle, and budget.

GOLD COLORS AND KARATS

Gold has been used in the creation of jewelry since ancient times. It was revered for its sun-like color and ability to polish to a lustrous shine. Of all the precious metals, gold is the one which offers up the widest variety. It can be found in different levels of purity, and mixed with other metals to create a plethora of colors.

To understand gold jewelry best, we should first look at it’s purity. Gold purity is measured in karats.

100% pure gold is 24 karats. So gold purity is measured by how many parts per 24 are pure gold.

Pure 24K gold is actually quite soft, and can’t withstand the daily wear and tear we put on our jewelry. Instead, it is mixed with other metals to add strength and alter its color. This resulting mixture is known as an alloy.

Since alloys with a higher karat number have a higher gold content, the resulting metal color will be closer to its natural color: yellow.

Yellow gold is typically alloyed with copper, silver, and zinc.

ROSE GOLD

Rose gold alloys have the same gold content as their yellow gold counterparts. But they get their rosy color by being mixed with a larger portion of copper than silver and zinc.

Higher karat rose gold alloys will appear more peach since they contain more gold. Lower karat rose gold alloys have a larger dose of copper, and will therefore be more pink.

WHITE GOLD

The world of white gold gets more complicated since there are multiple options. The main points to consider when choosing between white gold alloys are metal allergies, color preference and maintenance.

NICKEL WHITE GOLD

Like rose gold, the color of white gold is attributed to the other metals in the mix. In traditional white gold alloys, nickel is used as a bleaching agent to deplete the yellow color of the gold.

This alloy still appears slightly yellow and is commonly rhodium plated. Most commercial white gold jewelry has this layer of rhodium plating. While it gives the surface of the metal a bright white color, it eventually wears off. This plating usually needs to be reapplied every 1 to 2 years, but depending on the wearer’s body chemistry and wearing habits it could be as frequently as every 6 months.

In addition to the pesky maintenance of rhodium plating, nickel reactions are the most common metal allergy. It is due to these two big factors, that I prefer not to work in nickel white gold unless specifically requested.

PALLADIUM WHITE GOLD

In these alloys of white gold, the precious metal palladium is used as the bleaching agent to deplete the yellow color of the gold along with silver and copper.

You can read more about palladium as its own precious metal in the section below, since it’s an excellent metal for jewelry creation in it’s own right. But, I recommend palladium white gold for another important reason: by using palladium instead of nickel in the mix, the resulting alloys are hypoallergenic.

Palladium White Gold alloys are a warm grayish-white. While it could be rhodium plated for a bright white finish, I think they look excellent as-is.

PALLADIUM

Palladium is a member of the Platinum Metals Group (PMG) on the periodic table and is more rare than gold. It's a naturally occurring grayish-white metal, just a touch darker than platinum. It’s typically used in an alloy that is 95% pure palladium and mixed with another PMG member: ruthenium.

Palladium is great for jewelry production. It’s malleability makes it excellent for holding diamonds in place, while still being a very durable metal that resists scratches better than platinum or white gold. Its naturally white color means there’s no need to rhodium plate. Palladium is also hypoallergenic.

Palladium has a lower density than other precious metals, meaning a piece of the same size and shape will be lighter in palladium than in platinum or white gold. This makes it a great candidate for creating wedding bands that feel lightweight and comfortable.

The price of a palladium ring typically falls between the price of 14K and 18K white gold. It’s purity, hypoallergenic quality and lower maintenance are the main arguments for choosing this alloy over white gold. It’s lower density and lower price tag are typical reasons one would choose this alloy over platinum.

PLATINUM

Platinum is a rare precious metal which is naturally grayish white in color. Like palladium, platinum is hypoallergenic and needs no rhodium plating.

Platinum has been used in precious jewelry for centuries. It polishes to an excellent shine and is very malleable, so it is great for setting stones in intricate designs. Platinum is also the most dense of the precious metals, making it a sturdy metal for intricate filigree designs. This density also lends itself to setting large diamonds since prongs made of platinum are sturdier than ones made of white gold.

The malleability of platinum allows the metal's finish to develop a patina over time. Instead of losing metal when scratched, the surface of platinum is only displaced, causing a rich matte finish over time that can easily be re-polished or re-textured down the road without removing metal.

Platinum is truly an heirloom quality metal. It's physical properties make it a coveted metal for jewelry designs that last for generations. While it may be the most expensive of the precious metals, platinum jewelry is worth considering for it's rarity, purity, and density.

Gordon Jewelers is proud to carry Orbis Jewelry! Orbis is an American made, interchangeable jewelry line. Below is the history of Orbis Jewelry. If you are wanting to purchase a piece of Orbis Jewelry you can shop: http://www.gordonjewelers.com/orbis-rings/

Ron Hartgrove is the founder of Orbis. He was born in Big Spring, Texas. He began his career in the jewelry business when he was just eight years old. His father, Winston Hartgrove, was a watchmaker and he put Ron to work in his store doing simple ring sizings, soldering of charms, and the disassembly of manual wind watches for cleaning and repair. The leisure time during Ron's teenage years was spent learning and developing advanced design and bench skills. After graduation from high school, Ron decided to travel throughout Europe to study in the world of artisans, designers and craftsmen. His studies were cut short when he was called back to the United States by the draft. He learned to cut acetate masters while working for a class ring company, did repair work for Corrigan's Jewelers, and then worked for Raymond Taylor doing jewelry repair and custom design work. In 1972, Ron graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the fields of studio painting and art history. During the same time period, Ron worked at Corrigan's Jewelers on post oak in house where he did custom and original design, and jewelry repair. His professional focus was soon shirted from his painting to his jewelry.

Ron decided to combine his artistic skills with this technical jewelry skills, and in 1979 formed R. Hartgrove, Inc., a jewelry design and manufacturing business which offers the service of creating once-of-a-kind designs for specific individuals. His expertise in the use of metals lead him into doing much of his work with combination of platinum and 18 Kt yellow gold. his platinum Guild Award winning earrings (1986- 2nd place) and his AGTA Spectrum Award winning ring 91988 - 1st Place, Division 1) both display this use of mixed metals. Ron's heart is truly in design, and his new ideas are never-ceasing! in 1988, Ron decided to pursue his idea of creating simple and elegant rings and earrings with interchangeable stone spheres without any mechanisms or hinges; the concept of which grew from his fascination when we was a child with ink staying in ball point pens! The research and development phase was put in motion, and prototypes and models soon followed. In 1990, he incorporated Heart & Co., copyrighted his designs, and trademarked the new line as "orbis" from the Latin root word, orb. the nationwide marketing began in June of 1992 at the JCK show in Las Vegas. The line has grown tremendously since then. The ORBIS Wildlife collection was introduced in early 1993, the ORBIS Petite collection for teenage market in the summer of 1993, and the ORBIS and Friends Designer Sphere collection was introduced in the Jeweler's Quarterly November/December 1993 issue. Rom initiated the ORBIS & Friends project after Maggie Hess excitedly realized that their diamond pave "Bolita" fit into the ORBIS rings. Ron then invited some of this fellow members of the American Jewelry Design Council and other designers to participate in "a sort of Woodstock for jewelers". it was fun for everyone...the designers, retailers and their customers!

Ron's philosophy is that change is good, and we should never stop growing.

About MOVA® International

The sun never sets at MOVA®International. As an expanding global corporation consisting of TurtleTech Design, Inc., MOVA Europe, and MOVA Asia, they work both around the globe and around the clock to maintain a streamlined network that allows them to continue developing their advanced technologies.

Founded in 2003, TurtleTech Design Inc., dba MOVA International, is headquartered in sunny San Diego, California. At the core, they are a technology company dedicated to advancing the dream of perpetual motion. Their mission is to apply advanced, patented technologies to create luxury products with unique and high-end designs that capture the imagination.

Their first breakthrough, the MOVA Globe, was dreamed up and developed in a basement in the small beach community of Cardiff-by-the-Sea by Bill French, a physicist and inventor with a lifelong interest in solar energy, magnetism and magic. After years of intensive research, product development, and various breakthrough patents, the MOVA Globe was born in 2004. Since then they've expanded their product line to include new sizes, shapes and designs.

Today, MOVA aspires to exemplify the best of both artistry and science in each MOVA Creation.

A Word from the Inventor of MOVA® – William W. French

I have a degree in physics from UC Berkeley and I spent my years working in R&D inventing things in the field of magnetic recording for big companies like Eastman Kodak. My real interest though was always “Art and Science” and solar powered objects in particular. Solar energy offered the possibility of creating autonomous, almost living things. I finally let myself create the kind of thing I always dreamed of when I began to put together the ideas from the MOVA Globe. It was exciting and risky. The process of combining all the elements together to bring my vision to life was the most enjoyable work I have ever done. It is a great personal joy to realize that there are many people in this busy, noisy world who appreciate my peaceful vision.

Stop by Gordon Jewelers to see MOVA globes in action!

- See more at: http://movainternational.com/about-mova/#sthash.OFVHrEP4.dpuf

Fine fashion and jewelry flow through the generations of the Gordon family- the jewelers who urge you to "Think Inside the Box." Gordon Jewelers specializes in fine jewelry, watches and upscale gift items along with jewelry and watch repair and while-you-wait jewelry cleaning.

In June 1946, on the same day Edward and Maxine Gordon purchased a jewelry store in Kansas City, they became parents of a baby boy. Little did they know their son Dale would follow their footsteps in the business.

After 19 years, the senior Gordons decided to move the business to Boonville, based solely on a recommendation from one of Edaward's wold War II buddies. They'd never seen the town, but they knew early on that they'd made the right choice.

Son Dale left high-stress job as an air traffic controller to go to Trenton Jewelry School and earn the title of Certified Senior Management Professional from the Jewelers of America. He now heads up the family business with his wife, Roz, who was eager to start her career in fine jewelry after getting her degree in fashion design from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

The Gordons remain committed and active in the community. Roz is active in her parish church, serving for years as an organist for Mass as well as special occasions.

And the next generation? Two children, Katherine and Jonathan, followed in their parents' jewelry fashion footsteps, with successful careers in New York. "We love coming to work every day and giving our customers what they want," Roz Says. "We're carrying on the tradition of trust that started with Maxine and Edward and, hopefully, will continue with our children.

Celebrate the heritage of Gordon Jewelers and Boonville this month during Heritage Days! Voted as one of the “Best Festival In Central Missouri”. Boonville has been celebrating Heritage Days since 1989. Much goes on during this celebration—parade, carnival, arts and craft booths, food vendors, free entertainment, static displays, Mutt Strut, Little Mr. and Miss, beer garden, wine garden, quilt show, car show—and much, much more. Heritage Days take place on June 22nd, 23rd, 24th, & 25th 2016 in Downtown Boonville!

A truly great cocktail is about more than alcohol swished together with your favorite mixer. Cocktails should heighten the senses with exquisite flavors, aromas, and presentation. The act of drinking, in and of itself, is a practice of camaraderie, bringing people together to laugh, share stories, and have fun. So any cocktail worth sipping should have it’s own personality and story. The legend of the Moscow Mule (or as we like to call them "Missouri Mules"), is a standout among vodka drinks made with fizzy ginger beer, tangy lime juice, and served in stunning copper mugs, fits on the list of a classic American cocktails like few others.

Tempature

The most scientific benefit of using copper moscow mule mugs is temperature. For centuries, the best drinkers have known that chilled drinks in copper cups offer an extra-cool sensation, due to the metal quickly taking on the icy temperature of the cocktail. The rim of the mug becomes chilly almost instantly, offering a frozen sensation on your lips. The cold metal is highly effective at insulating the cold temperature of any liquid, especially good for summertime drinking, and deflecting heat from the sun.

Taste

There are, however, clear indications that using copper mugs for Moscow Mules enhance the individual flavors of the ginger beer, vodka, and lime. Some experts say that when vodka touches the walls of the mug, the copper begins to oxidize, slightly boosting the aroma, and enhancing the taste of the vodka. Cold copper also has a tendency to increase the amount of bubbles in the carbonated ginger beer, bringing maximum fizziness to the Moscow Mule, when compared to being served in a plastic or glass container.

The Experience

Arguably, the clearest reason to use copper mugs for Moscow Mules is the presentation. A martini just doesn’t seem right unless it’s served in the classic, stemmed glass vortex, with the spirits swirling around a sunken olive. The same is true for any well made drink. Re-tracing the history of the Moscow Mule, this ginger beer and vodka combination started at a bars in Manhattan and Hollywood in 1941. In order to give the drink a distinctive look, the originators ordered specially made copper Moscow Mule mugs, and took pictures of patrons drinking them with Polaroid cameras, a cutting edge invention of the day. The photographs began to circulate, and popularity of drinking a zesty Moscow Mule from a sleek, shiny copper mug found its place in American cocktail culture. Hugely popular in the mid 20th century, recent trends have solidified the timeless nature of this mixed drink.

Are you throwing a tailgate or "home-gate" for your next sporting event? You'll need the essential copper cups to complete your party and serve your favorite variation of the "Missouri Mule"! Go TIGERS!

Mother’s Day is a day of the year on which mothers are honored by their children! How do you plan to honor your mother, grandmother, or parental guardian this year? This Mother’s day honor your mother by giving her the perfect, personalized gift from Gordon Jewelers.

In honor of Mother’s day we wanted to share some fun facts, traditions, and history behind this great day!

The Creation:

The American manifestation of Mother’s Day was created by Anna Jarvis in 1908. It became an official U.S. holiday in 1914. While dates and celebrations vary, Mother’s Day most commonly falls on the second Sunday in May and traditionally involves presenting mothers with flowers, cards and other gifts.

Following her mother’s 1905 death, Anna Jarvis conceived Mother’s Day as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers made for their children. After gaining financial backing from a Philadelphia department store owner named John Wanamaker, in May 1908 she organized the 1st official Mother’s Day celebration at a Methodist church in Grafton, WV. That same day also saw thousands of people attend a Mother’s Day event at one of Wanamaker’s retail stores in Philadelphia.

The History:

Celebrations of mothers and motherhood can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele!

“Mothering Sunday” is the clearest modern precedent for Mother’s Day, as the early Christian festival. Once a major tradition in the UK and parts of Europe, this celebration fell on the 4th Sunday in Lent and was originally seen as a time when the faithful would return to their “mother church” for a special service. Over time the Mothering Sunday tradition shifted into a more secular holiday, and children would present their mothers with flowers and other tokens of appreciation.

Celebrations and Tradition:

While versions of Mother’s Day are celebrated throughout the world, traditions vary depending on the country. In Thailand, for example, Mother’s Day is always celebrated in August on the birthday of the current queen, Sirikit. Another alternate observance of Mother’s Day can be found in Ethiopia, where families gather each fall to sing songs and eat a large feast as part of Antrosht, a multi-day celebration honoring motherhood.In the United States, Mother’s Day continues to be celebrated by presenting mothers and other women with gifts and flowers, and it has become one of the biggest holidays for consumer spending.

We hope you pick Gordon Jewelers as your go-to store for all things Mother’s Day. Let us help you design the perfect MommyChic, custom necklace in 3 easy steps: Choose your pendant, pick the charms and select an inspirational poem, with complimentary gift wrapping!

Blog

Gordon Jewelers has been a family owned business since 1946! The second generation owners, Dale and Roz, have a combined 70+ years of Jewelry industry experience and know-how. This BLOG will be about all things jewelry: industry style/trends, long-lasting and new up-and-coming brands, jewelry making, watch repairing, diamond & gemstone info-graphics, industry news and more!